Politics · Philippines Bureau
Duterte's legal team accepts Sarmiento's decision to skip impeachment testimony
Vice President Sara Duterte's defense counsel said Thursday they respect former law dean Ralph Sarmiento's choice to decline appearing as a witness in her ongoing impeachment trial. Sarmiento cited the need to maintain academic independence and impartiality in constitutional law scholarship.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Attorneys representing Vice President Sara Duterte stated Thursday that they accept former law dean Ralph Sarmiento's refusal to testify as a defense witness in her impeachment proceedings.
Sarmiento, who was invited by the defense team to provide testimony, declined the offer on grounds that his appearance could compromise his scholarly objectivity. The former academic maintained that testifying would require him to abandon the independence essential to his work in constitutional law.
Duterte's legal team issued a statement affirming their respect for Sarmiento's position, underscoring the defense's recognition of the constitutional scholar's need to preserve his professional standing and neutrality.
The impeachment trial continues as the defense team prepares its arguments before the Senate. Sarmiento's decision to remain on the sidelines reflects broader questions about how legal scholars navigate their roles when high-profile political cases touch on constitutional matters.